In a world where digital skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity, one Ethiopian entrepreneur is stepping up to bridge the gap. Toleha Ahmed, the founder of Dinar Technology, is on a mission to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy.
Growing up, Toleha recognized a common challenge: many talented young Ethiopians lacked access to practical technology training. While formal education provided theory, there was a significant disconnect between what students learned in the classroom and the real-world skills employers demanded. To tackle this, he launched Dinar Technology, an online platform focused on teaching crucial digital skills like graphic design, video editing, and social media content creation.
What makes Toleha's approach so remarkable is his innovative use of the messaging app Telegram as his teaching platform. Instead of relying on expensive software or complex learning management systems, he leverages a tool that millions of Ethiopians already use daily. Through simple Telegram groups and channels, students can access lessons, watch tutorials, ask questions, and even turn in assignments. This ingenious method makes high-quality education affordable and accessible to students from the largest cities to the smallest towns.
Toleha’s vision extends far beyond just training individuals. He sees digital skills as a direct path to empowerment and financial independence. Many of his students have already used their new skills to start freelance careers, generate online income, and even launch their own small businesses. This ripple effect is a powerful catalyst for Ethiopia’s digital transformation, helping young people compete and thrive on a global scale.
As Ethiopia continues its journey toward a more technologically advanced future, innovators like Toleha Ahmed are proving that meaningful impact doesn't always require massive budgets or advanced infrastructure. Sometimes, all it takes is a creative idea, determination, and the right platform to make a real difference.